Green Hill

Green Hill rises up from the Durham landscape just outside Bishop Auckland, and it's the sort of walk that rewards you properly without demanding a full day's commitment. The summit gives you sweeping views across the Wear Valley - on a clear day you can make out quite a bit of the North East stretching away. It's a straightforward walk rather than a serious fell expedition, which makes it ideal for families who want something more substantial than a stroll but won't tolerate a four-hour slog.

The walk itself takes maybe an hour return from the nearest approach, depending on your pace and where you start. You'll see proper rolling countryside, not dramatic peaks, but that's rather the point - it's accessible and feels rewarding without being gruelling. History types will appreciate that you're walking through terrain that's been shaped by centuries of coal mining and quarrying, though the scars have softened now.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - White House & Hagg Bridge is only 2.4 miles away, or Westgate just 3.4 miles - Green Hill works perfectly as a morning activity before the kids need feeding. It's free, obviously. Go when the weather looks settled; there's little shelter up top, and in rain it becomes a muddy scramble rather than a pleasant walk.

Worth the detour? Only if you're in the area already. It's not a reason to drive to Bishop Auckland on its own, but if you've got a caravan pitched nearby, it's a proper way to stretch your legs.